ASEGUIM

[Asociación Ecuatoriana de Guias de Montaña] We are members of ASEGUIM, the Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides. Back in 1990, when the demand for guides was growing, the need to improve the standards of local mountaineers became clear. As a result a group of climbers created the Association of Mountain Guides. The first courses were given by instructors of the local Climbing Federation, an amateur institution; nowadays they are given by professional instructors. ASEGUIM works together with the National School of Guides in France (ENSA).

WMI

[Wilderness Medicine Institute]Wilderness medical training is important for professionals, active in the outdoor industry. Most of our guides have followed the Wilderness First Responder course, a widely recognised outdoor medical training qualification. This course is given in co-operation with the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS from the USA.

ENSA

[Ecole Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme] Since 1994 the National School of Guides ENSA from Chamonix in France has been providing training courses to Ecuadorian guides. This has helped enormously to improve standards of safety in the mountains of Ecuador. Since 1995 ten Ecuadorian guides have been trained in Chamonix to become Instructors of the local School of Guides. Some of these instructors are currently guiding for Andeanface. Nowadays our School of Guides qualifies a group of new guides every 4 years.

IFMGA

[International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations]Ecuador is now member of the IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations), formerly called UIAGM. There are actually twelve Ecuadorian guides and aspirant guides who have the international guiding license of this federation. Some of them are currently working for Andeanface.

Risk Assessment

In the outdoors, safety and keeping people safe is about the appropriate assessment of risk to minimise those involved at all levels of participation. In organised activity we all have a heightened duty of care, and as such we should be aware that the principle risks extend to the quality of control exercised by those in charge. Leaders and guides should all take ‘reasonable’ steps to safeguard those directly taking part in activities and at any time they may be deemed responsible for those in their charge – in vehicles, during journeys and throughout the organised activity/expedition.

Safety Policy

It is the policy of Andeanface to safeguard the welfare of all clients and others involved in our expeditions by protecting them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional harm. All our team members follow this code of behaviour when working:

Treat everyone with respect.

Provide an example you wish others to follow.

Encourage clients to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out behaviours and attitudes they do not like.

Encourage a healthy environmentally aware lifestyle.

Remember others may misinterpret your action no matter how well intentioned.

Certification

As far as certification is concerned; Andeanface is closely involved with the organizations mentioned on the right. For more information, see their websites: